In Sunshine or in Rain

"It is the love of self that destroys our peace. While self is alive, we stand ready continually to guard it from mortification and insult; but when self is dead, and our life hid with Christ in God, we shall not take neglects or slights to heart. We shall be deaf to reproach, and blind to scorn and insult." -The Signs of the Times (December 27, 1905) What a powerful quote, and oh what great implications it has for our lives. It took being in a relationship to show me just how much I love "self". When self sits on the throne, life is a chaotic mess because you spend all your time and energy trying to keep "self" from being hurt or slighted. Every little hurtful word is enough for your whole kingdom to crumble. Oh what a sad life to live! Yet how often do we find ourselves giving up our peace and happiness in order to protect the very thing that is on a mission to destroy us... The love of self not only destroys peace, but it also destroys relationshi...

Yesterday I tried to print off something last minute, but for some reason my card simply would not work. I tried multiple times and was about to give up, when a complete stranger swiped her card, and paid for my copies without saying a word. I thanked her with a heart overflowing with gratitude. What a kind gesture! As I was still thinking about what had just happened, a thought crossed my mind. If a small gesture like this stirs my heart, should not the sacrifice of Jesus bring me to my knees in utter gratitude? Even logic tells us that our gratitude should at least be somewhat in proportion to the cost of the gift. How then can it be that I so often treat the gift of Jesus so lightly? Jesus gave up EVERYTHING He had. He not only left His heavenly home, but He also set aside His divinity for us. This was not everything though. Besides growing up in poverty, and being despised by the world, He died for us that we may be free. It was not the thought of dying that put Him throug...

I was anything but an easy child. My strong-willed and stubborn character often got me into a lot of trouble. I still remember the tears of frustration I often shed when once again I had to be sent to my room. I thought life was totally unfair, and sometimes even wondered if my parents loved me. How could somebody who claims to love me, punish me so often? As a child it was so easy to forget all the wonderful things my parents did for me especially while being punished. How could I forget all the back rubs, family walks, story time, kitchen fun, and hugs I got so frequently? How could I forget the times my mom or dad would tiptoe into my room while I was on "timeout" and tell me that they love me? How could I forget how my parents sacrificed so much to make my life here on earth sweet and cheerful? Unfortunately we so often feel the same way about God as we may have about our parents. I truly don't enjoy rebuke, and being "refined". It is an uncomfortable, an...

Dear God, This morning I woke up with such an intense yearning to go back overseas. It is a yearning so deep that it actually makes my heart ache. Many people probably can't understand why I would be ever so glad and ready to swap the comforts our modern society for a humble abode overseas.( When I say overseas, I mean the mission field). My happiest memories are from the times when I had the least. Things don't make people happy... I am tired of the rat-race, and the striving after things that don't matter in the light of eternity. How can we get so comfortable, and forget so quickly why we are here in this world? When I see pictures of starving children, or of war-torn countries, I can't just turn my eyes away and pretend it does not exist. I have tried that, but it does not work, and I don't want it to. I KNOW hunger, hopelessness, abuse, filth, and ravaging diseases exist in many parts of the world. I have seen it with my own eyes, and those images ...

"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Isaiah 65:24 How can faith grow if it is never tested? Today I had a little experience with God that means the world to me. I somehow managed to lose my phone this morning. I knew I had it on our way to church, but did not know if I had it once we got to church(we stopped on the way to pick somebody up, and I got out of the car.) Anyway, I searched the car, searched the church, but there was no trace of my phone. Well, by then I started to get a bit worried. I prayed and kept looking, but to no avail. All through the church service I kept thinking about my phone, but every time I wanted to worry I seemed to hear a still small voice telling me that everything was in the Master's hands, and that He would take care of me. After the church service, I kept asking around, and finally after potluck I had the chance to mention to the lady we picked up that I...

The other night I dreamt that somebody asked me what kind of man I want to link my life with someday. After thinking about it for a moment I replied: "A man who will stand for truth though the heavens fall." I then proceeded to tell the one who posed the question, that unfortunately there are not many men of that sort. Usually my dreams are not very logical, but this one was spot on! I know that just as in bible times, there are many who have not "bowed their knee to Baal", but sometime when I look around I wonder where they are. Where are the young men who will gladly give up fame, comfort, money, and worldly applause to go to the darkest corners of the world to work for Jesus? Where are the young men who still have a backbone-who know what they stand for and believe in? My heart is often saddened when I see this generation of men. Please don't get me wrong, I am not complaining, and I am not saying that there are no sincere and God-fearing men out there! I...

Family. This word makes my heart beat faster, and puts a ginormous smile on my face. Security, love, and a bunch of fun is what I associate family with. I know I am biased, but I think my family is just about perfect. Not perfect in that we don't make mistakes, but perfect as in we love each other very much. Oh how I am going to miss all the little things that make a family so special. There is nobody I would rather work in the kitchen and go on walks with than my mother, and nobody I would rather play piano for or chat about science with  than my father. My siblings are the spice of life, and I am going to miss their quirky sense of humor, and even their teasing. God truly has been good to me. To have a family where communication is open, where parents love each other, and where God is the center, is definitely a rare treasure these days. May I never take it for granted. My heart is heavy at the thought that I will have to live from memories until we meet again, but I am thankful...

Break my heart for what breaks Yours Lord, Soften this heart of stone. Strip me of selfishness and pride Lord, Cause I can't overcome alone. Oh let me feel the pain You feel, may I through Your eyes see. May I never forget the price You paid  So that sinners may be free. Help me not to forget why I am here, Help me live for You each day, And may others see Your selfless love, In all I do and say. Break my heart for what breaks Yours Lord, Help me for you my Lord to live, And may I share Your wonderous love, Yes, may I live ever to give.

Let's be honest. I don't think there is anybody that does not desire to accomplish great things. A lot of us want to impact the world in mighty ways; yes we want to bring about change that is noticeable. There is nothing wrong with wanting to do great things, but I do believe that we don't fully understand what is "great" in God's eyes. Working at the nursing home has taught me that some of the greatest things in life are little things in the world's eyes. The world does not consider holding a dejected man's hand, or looking at a picture book with a 95 year old woman as "great" things, but I can assure you that it means a great deal to the individual. A cheerful smile, an extra measure of patience, and the willingness to serve regardless of gain are great things my friend. Too often we sit around waiting for some great opportunity to work for God, missing opportunities to do little things that have great effects. Let us not miss opportunities...

He knows that he is dying. His shaking hands, wobbly knees, and the loss of his eyesight are grim reminders that his days are numbered. No, he does not have a terminal illness, but unfortunately he lives in a sinful world where people have to age and eventually die. He has been robbed of both eyesight and most of his hearing, and the days seem to be endlessly long to him. Mealtime is the only diversion to a very lonesome routine. The tears of frustration and helplessness coursing down his creased cheeks, a man who used to be so strong, independent, and energetic, really broke my heart. "Aging is a part of life" they say, but I would like to argue that it is not as normal as people like to believe. There is nothing normal about losing your independence, and becoming helpless like a little child. There is nothing normal about being robbed of your spouse of many years, and to see friends and children laid to rest.  You see my friends, sin is not normal. Just like cancer is a d...

Emptiness... Her eyes reflect the pain that she feels-the emptiness that haunts her. Her brightly colored hair, piercings, and tattoos are her non-verbal way of crying out "notice me". She is so young, and yet she already looks so used. She has tried everything she could think of to fill that gaping hole in her heart. But all the parties, and sexual immorality only left her feeling even emptier and more worthless. If only she knew that she is the daughter of a king or better said, the daughter of The King. If she only realized that she is loved for who she is and not for how well she can please lusting men. If only she realized that she is valuable. So valuable that the Lord of the universe came to this world to give his life in order that she may be free. My friends, this world is filled with empty people. While they may have everything this world has to offer, something is missing without Jesus. Oh that we may take out callig seriously. May we go tell a perishing world t...

Meaning. What gives life meaning? What gives it a purpose and makes it worth living? Working at the nursing home has given me a glimpse of what "meaning" looks like. Singing lullabys and giving goodnight kisses just because I care. Listening to loosely associated stories as though they were the most important stories I had ever heard. Going on wheelchair walks and really taking the time to drink in the scents and to enjoy the music of nature. Just being there, smiles, and many hugs. Meaning. Praying with residents who used to pastor churches. Going the extra mile and treating every person with uttermost dignity. All these little things make life meaningful. Not just to me, but also to those around me. Meaning. A personal relationship with my Savior. Being able to share my faith, and showing God's love to those around me. So often we search for a meaning in life, but unfortunately in the wrong places. It is the little things in life that make the sum of life's h...

I am currently working at a nursing home, and it has been a blessing so far. The work is challenging at times, but I prayed while applying for jobs that God would place me where I can best serve Him. I firmly believe that God places in a specific place for a specific reason, even though we might have to wait til heaven to find out what that reason is. I have already bonded with a lot of the residents, and seeing their faces light up when they see me fills my heart with so much joy. I have also had the privilege of talking with some of the staff though. Even though the nursing home is Adventist, a lot of the staff are not. Yesterday during lunch break I was talking to a Mongolian lady who works with me. We talked about values and religion, and she told me something that really touched my heart. She told me that even though she is not Christian(Buddhist background), she truly appreciates how Adventists try to preserve their minds by not watching violent movies or bad books, that we don...

I was leafing through some of my old notebooks when I found and entry from when I was 11 1/2 years old. It was originally written in German, but I translated it as accurately as I could. This is the evidence that even a child can be touched by the love of Jesus. It is never too early to have serious thoughts, and even a young child can grasp important truths. "Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:5 •"You care about me and give me that which I need." •"You always answer my prayer as you see fit." •"I can rely upon You completely, because I know that You take care of me. " Oh that I may never lose this childlike faith. May I still ever rely upon the One who cares for me. May I ever claim my Savior's promises.  More of Jesus, and way less of me.

" ...and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1 I really enjoy running. The crisp morning air, the singing of birds, and the stillness have a way of putting a smile on my face. It is a perfect way to de-stress, or to get energized.  Well, those who know me might know that once I start running(or hiking) I just want to keep going as long as I possibly can. This morning was one of those days. I was going to go for a short run, but alas it was not to be that way. :) I kept telling myself that I would just go a little farther before turning around. Well, I finally reached a point where I decided to turn around, but that is when I realized that I was getting tired. My feet suddenly seemed to be a lot heavier, and the way seemed farther than ever. I set my pace though, and started running, but I began to get more and more tempted to just quit and walk. I did stop to rest a moment a few times, but every time I was even less inclined to keep r...

The following is the perfect missionary song. It is my heart's most earnest desire to live a life of total consecration to my Master and Friend. Oh that we could only see through the eyes of faith that the harvest truly is great. People around us are waiting to hear the good news. May we be missionaries right here and right now, and may we labor earnestly and unceasingly so that people can get to know our wonderful Lord and Savior. So Send I You So send I you to labor unrewarded, To serve unpaid, unloved, unsought, unknown, To bear rebuke, to suffer scorn and scoffing- So send I you to toil for Me alone. So send I you to bind the bruised and broken, O’er wand’ring souls to work, to weep, to wake, To bear the burdens of a world aweary- So send I you to suffer for My sake. So send I you to loneliness and longing, With heart ahung’ring for the loved and known, Forsaking home and kindred, friend and dear one- So send I you to know My love alone. So send I you to leave yo...

Trust is essential if a relationship is to be healthy and happy. Where there is no trust, there is also no growth. We know how true this is for human relationships, but sometimes it is easy to forget how applicable this is to our relationship with Jesus.  Do we truly trust Him, or do we merely profess to? Actions speak louder than words. It is one thing to claim to trust somebody, and quite another thing to show that we trust them. Too often we want to control the outcomes. I know for myself that I sometimes fail to trust Jesus 100%, While I may claim to rely fully on Him, my actions often belie my words. I want Jesus to lead, and yet so often I am afraid to let go because things may turn out other than expected. Oh how sad! Jesus has never let us down. There is no safer place for our hopes and aspirations than in His strong hand. Though He may lead us in paths we never imagined, we would not choose to be led otherwise if we could see the end from the beginning.  " Many w...

When I heard about the  disastrous earthquake that struck Nepal, and when I saw the suffering and turmoil these people are going through, it truly broke my heart.  What breaks my heart even more however is the fact that so often we are so satisfied with the things of this world. What does this world have to offer? Fleeting joys, empty pleasure, and a lot of heartache? Is that truly worth living and striving for? Oh how I long for my heavenly home. This world holds no attraction for me. I realize however, that while I am to keep my eyes focused on heaven, my heart needs to go out to the people around me. We are called to be Jesus' disciples, and this does not mean idly waiting for the Lord's return, but rather actively reaching a world in spiritual darkness. We have a hope to share, a light to bear, and a testimony to proclaim. The following poem expresses my heart cry. It is simple, unedited, but it comes from my heart. Oh how I long for heaven, How I long to se...

The closer we come to Jesus, the more we want to please Him. Does this mean that we will never make mistakes? Unfortunately not. It does mean however that we will listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and ever seek to please our Master. Yesterday I went shopping with a friend, and I bought two really cute dresses. Today however when I put one on, I just did not feel comfortable. It was a little too short, and just made me feel kinda uneasy. Many people would probably shake their heads and call me a little strange, but I firmly believe that it is important to follow our convictions.(Spirit led of course) This is merely an example. The point of this post is not to discuss modesty, but rather to point out that Jesus needs to be our Guide in all areas of the Christian walk. "Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Of whom do we love to converse? Who has our warmest affections and our best energies? If we are Christ's, our thoughts are with Him, and our sweetest...

 " God has given us talents to use for Him. To one He gives five talents, to another two, and to another one. Let not him who has but one talent think to hide it from God. The Lord knows where it is hidden. He knows that it is doing nothing for Him. When the Lord comes, He will ask His servants, What have you done with the talents I entrusted to you? And as he who received five and he who received two tell Him that by trading they have doubled their talents, He will say to them, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. . . . Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Thus He will say also to him who has improved the one talent lent him..." My Life Today pg 118 Last night while laying in bed I was thinking about this quote, when all of a sudden a new perspective popped into my head. I love new perspectives, so I hope you don' t mind me sharing this with you. :) So often I am...

"The effort to earn salvation by one's own works inevitably leads men to pile up human exactions as a barrier against sin. For, seeing that they fail to keep the law, they will devise rules and regulations of their own to force themselves to obey. All this turns the mind away from God to self. His love dies out of the heart, and with it perishes love for his fellow men. A system of human invention, with its multitudinous exactions, will lead its advocates to judge all who come short of the prescribed human standard. The atmosphere of selfish and narrow criticism stifles the noble and generous emotions, and causes men to become self-centered judges and petty spies." -Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing pg 123 Oh how this quote struck home! It is easy to come up with 101 ways on how to resist temptation while completely forgetting that without the saving power of Jesus, I can never live a holy life. It is easy to think that as long as I use my power of choice wisely, an...

"Our influence upon others depends not so much upon what we say as upon what we are. Men may combat and defy our logic, they may resist our appeals; but a life of disinterested love is an argument they cannot gainsay. " DA 142 When I read this quote this morning I was struck by its beauty and challenge. Oh how easy it is to forget that our lives are the greatest testimony to the power of our Redeemer. I wan't to share this poem that I wrote a little while back: Just a little act of kindness, Just a smile or a kind word; Being willing to serve others Is a sermon that is heard. Instead of merely preaching, May we live it out instead, Because we preach the strongest sermons, When not a single word is said. Just a little act of kindness Can turn someone’s life around, Sometimes it only takes a smile, To cheer up someone who is down. If we live our lives for others, Our lives are not in vain. May we step into the darkness, May we comfort th...

We speak openly and freely against weapons of mass destruction, but I think we often forget that every single one of us possesses a weapon so powerful that it can cause eternal damage. I would like to argue that the human tongue is the most powerful weapon on the face of this earth. Just one little word spoken in haste, can ignite a wildfire that will destroy everything in its path. One little gossip that we share without second thought, can result in a harvest of most bitter fruit. The tongue is especially powerful because it can both enoble and debase. We can lift people up with our words, or we can tear them down. Our words can draw people closer to Jesus, or they can drive them away from Him. James 1;26 says : " Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless." The bible is very clear that our religion is worthless if we do not bridle our tongues. This is no light matt...

If passing through the flames will purify me, then why should I grumble and groan? If breaking me will make me stronger in the end, then why should I resist? If taking away things that seem so dear to me will make me lean more on Jesus, then why should I mourn my loss? If persecution will make me more firmly rooted, why should I not rejoice? Paul and Silas sang in prison, and Daniel trusted God even in the lion's den. The martyrs sang hymns while burning at the stake. These faithful servants were willing to endure anything for their Master, and they had praises on their lips even when their outlook seemed bleak. Oh that I may have this kind of faith and love for Jesus. Oh that I may count all as loss except the cross of Jesus. Now please don't think after reading this that I am going through rough times because that is definitely not the case. :) I just think about these things, and search my heart as to my attitude towards trials and suffering. I want my peace to be...

Long ago and far away, in a small village nestled into the mountains, there lived a potter. He worked hard every day forming pots and other vessels out of the best clay he could get his hands on. He loved his work even though it was painstaking. Some days the clay was too dry, so he would have to spend a long time softening it. Other days the clay would just not center on his wheel. But even though the work was not easy, he would always return to his little home at the end of the day feeling very satisfied because he knew that he had done all that he could to turn those lumps of clay into something useful. Every pot he made served a specific purpose. Some where made to store water, others were fashioned for cooking, and some were made into vases and candle holders. The potter loved every vessel that he made regardless of its use. He loved the plain water-pot just as much as he loved his most elaborate ornaments. They were all made by his hands and therefore he valued each one of them. ...

"The happiest people are the ones who have learned what it means to serve." How different from what the world teaches us. Billboards, magazines, and TV advertisements all tell us that in order to be happy we need to be rich, famous, and physically attractive. The world encourages us to focus on ourselves, our desires, our dreams, our well being. I don't know about you, but when I look around, I see a lot of dissatisfaction, emptiness, and sadness. The pressure to be that which the world deems successful drives many people to the brinks of despair. It is easy for us as Christians to get stuck in a similar rut. While we may shun some things of the world, we still make its principles our own. We try to be good Christians, not because we love Jesus, but because we seek other people's approval. We want to be noticed, and we feel dissatisfied and jealous of those who have more talents, and more recognition than we do. As long as we are self-seeking, we can never experien...

Angels weep, while human eyes are dry and hearts are closed to pity. COL 192. Try to imagine what it must be like to be an angel. You find your greatest joy in serving your Creator and perfect harmony and bliss reign in that glorious city. Looking down upon the little speck known as earth, you see darkness, quarrel, and a sinfulness so great that it pains you to behold it. You see suffering to an extent that it breaks your pure and holy heart. Imagine that you are looking down from heaven one day and see a family where the wife and children get abused, and the fear and daily quarrel has extinguished every trace of sunshine. You look around a little more and see a teenager who has taken the wrong road and has ended up in drugs and a degraded lifestyle. That's not it though. You keep looking and see millions of starving children, young girls sold into prostitution, and wars that tear families apart. You see school shootings, bullying, loneliness, suicide and so much more. You ...

Lord take my heart, my life, my will, I give it all to You. I want You to be the focus Lord, Of all I say and do. Without You I am very weak, Make me strong I pray, Lead me in Your perfect way, Please be my Guide and Stay. Send me where You would have me go, "Here I am, send me!" It doesn't matter where I go, As long as You're with me. I don't want to live for selfish gain, I want to give my all To reach the lost and hurting, By answering God's call.

Dear child, I just want to let you know that you are precious in my sight. You mean so much to me that I was willing to give up my only Son so that you could be set free from the bondage of sin. I knew that there was a chance that I would lose Him, but heaven was no place to be desired while you were still lost. Dear child, I know that life is sometimes very challenging and painful, but I want you to know that you are never alone. When you are sad I am right there beside you to comfort you. When you can't go another step, I pick you up and carry you.There hasn't been a time in your life when I have not tenderly watched over you. I know that sometimes you wonder where I am when things get rough and bad things happen. My precious child, it is in these moments that I am especially close. It is not because I am not there that life is challenging, but it is because you live in a world that is sinful. I know that you often wonder what the future holds. Sometimes you find...

I set my alarm for a rather unearthly hour this morning, and when the first alarm went off I promptly turned it off. By the time the second alarm went off, I was even more groggy and it took a lot of willpower to get up. That is when it hit me how this scenario is very applicable to the Christian walk. The first time the Holy Spirit prompts us, His voice is quite distinguishable. The more however we ignore the promptings(hit the snooze button), the easier it becomes to drown out His voice. Eventually we reach a point where we don't hear His voice anymore(we sleep through the alarm). I know this s a very simple illustration, but I like finding object lessons in daily life.  It is my prayer that I may be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. May we not allow the stresses of daily life to drown out that still small voice, but may we rather walk so closely with Jesus that we can hear His words even in the noise of life. Instead of dulling our hearing, may we learn to ...

"Faith is trusting God--believing that He loves us and knows best what is for our good. Thus, instead of our own, it leads us to choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are already His; faith acknowledges His ownership and accepts its blessing. Truth, uprightness, purity, have been pointed out as secrets of life's success. It is faith that puts us in possession of these principles."     Education pg 253 What does true faith look like? We often claim to have faith, but I have personally come to realize that true faith and claimed faith are often very different things. When the future seems clear, and everything is smooth sailing, it is easy for me to say that I believe. When the future seems uncertain however, and things held so dear are taken away from me, that is when it becomes clear whether or not I know what true faith is. True f...

I found this poem in one of my textbooks, and it really struck home. Hope it blesses you too! My mother taught me how to pray: I do. My father taught me what to say: I do. They said to go to church each week, and listen to the preacher speak; I do. My dean has taught me modesty, To wear my skirt below the knee; I do. Life and Teachings help me too: I learned Acts 3 verse 22. Every night at nine o'clock, Good kids meet to pray in bands; I do. We sing, "If you're happy and you know it, Clap your hands"; I do. I do these things most every day, My dean, she says I've found the way. Let's see. Clap your hands, go to church,  Say a prayer, learn a verse-I'm saved. Yipee! What did you say? Jesus Christ? Who's He? This poem very accurately depicts what a Christian life without Christ looks like. There is more to the Christian walk than rules and standards. If there is no heart-change, if we are merely going through the motions, then we h...

I have been unusually stressed and perplexed this week, but God has been so very faithful. It is when I think I cannot go another step, that God shows me just how strong He is. It is when the future is veiled that I learn what it means to trust and believe in the Lord's leading. It is when trials come my way, that I grow the most. Too often I become discouraged when things seem difficult, instead of being encouraged that God sees something in me that is worth refining. It is a privilege to pass through the fiery furnace because only so can the dross be removed.  Here is a little poem I wrote just now. May it be an encouragement to you. I don't know what tomorrow holds, I don't know what lies ahead, Sometimes my heart is troubled, and weighed down with such dread. But then I look into Your face, and my worries melt away, because if you are beside me Lord, I can make it through today. You Who see the end of things before they ha...

This morning while reading a bible verse the word "if" jumped out at me. I know this word can be used in many different ways, but I want to  start by focusing on its use as an excuse. "If only the circumstances were different, then I would be happy. " "If only I were a better speaker, then I could be a better soul-winner." I think you get the idea. I have been thinking about my own life. It is easy to make excuses for a deficit in our knowledge, behavior, spirituality etc. Instead of casting myself down at my Master's feet, I am sometimes tempted to try to rationalize my behavior. Oh that I may acknowledge my weakness and sinfulness and run to the One who IS my Power and my Deliverer. In the verse I read this morning the word "if" is used as a condition for attaining, or receiving something.  " If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven." Matthew 19:21...

Tonight while exercising I went over all the chapters of scripture I have memorized this past year. There is something very powerful about memorizing scripture. Jesus quoted scripture when tempted by Satan, and oh how much more do I need to hide God's precious promises in my heart. Here are my favorite verses from these precious chapters. ( I really wish I would have memorized more...) " For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding  and  eternal weight of glory,   while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen  are  temporary, but the things which  are  not seen are eternal."   -2. Cor 4:17-18 "For as the heavens are high above the earth, So  great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12  As far as the east is from the west, So  far has He removed our transgressions from us."  -Psalm 103:11-12 "Let ...